Preparation of an amperometric sensor for norfloxacin based on molecularly imprinted grafting photopolymerization

A sensitive amperometric sensor for norfloxacin (NF) was introduced. The receptor layer was prepared by molecularly imprinted photopolymerization of acrylamide and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate on the surface of a gold electrode. The binding mechanism of the molecularly imprinted polymer was explored by ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The chemosensor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), electrochemical impedance (EI), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrode prepared by photopolymerization has a better recognition ability to template molecules than that of electropolymerization and NIP. Some parameters affecting sensor response were optimized. Norfloxacin was detected by measurements of an amperometric i–t curve. The linear relationships between current and logarithmic concentration are obtained from 1.0?×?10^?9 to 1.0?×?10^?3?mol?L^?1. The detection limit of the sensor was 1.0?×?10^?10?mol?L^?1. The proposed method is sensitive, simple, and cheap, and is applied to detect NF in human urine successfully.

Detection of trace nitrite in waters using a QDs-based chemiluminescence analysis system

In the present work, a novel flow-injection chemiluminescence method based on CdTe quantum dots (QDs) was developed for the determination of nitrite. Weak chemiluminescence (CL) signals were observed from a CdTe QDs–H₂O₂ system under basic conditions. The addition of a trace amount of hemoglobin (Hb) caused the CL from the CdTe QDs–H₂O₂ system to increase substantially. In the presence of nitrite, the ferrous Hb reacted with the nitrate to form ferric Hb and NO. The NO then bound to ferrous Hb to generate iron nitrosyl Hb. As a result, the CL signal from the CdTe QDs–H₂O₂–Hb system was quenched. Thus, a flow-injection CL analytical system for the determination of trace nitrite was established. Under optimum conditions, there was a good linear relationship between CL intensity and the concentration of nitrite in the range 1.0?×?10^?9 to 8.0?×?10^?7 mol L^?1 (R ²?=?0.9957). The limit of detection for nitrite using this system was 3.0?×?10^?10 mol L^?1 (S/N?=?3). This method was successfully applied to detect nitrite in water samples.

The electrochemistry of uric acid at a gold electrode modified with L-cysteine, and its application to sensing uric urine

The electrochemistry of uric acid at a gold electrode modified with a self-assembled film of L-cysteine was studied by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Compared to the bare gold electrode, uric acid showed better electrochemical response in that the anodic peak current is stronger and the peak potential is negatively shifted by about 100 mV. The effects of experimental conditions on the oxidation of uric acid were tested and a calibration plot was established. The differential pulse response to uric acid is linear in the concentration range from 1.0?×?10^?6 to ~?1.0?×?10^?4 mol?L^?1 (r?=?0.9995) and from 1.0?×?10^?4 to ~?5.0?×?10^?4 mol?L^?1 (r?=?0.9990), the detection limit being 1.0?×?10^?7 mol?L^?1 (at S/N?=?3). The high sensitivity and good selectivity of the electrode was demonstrated by its practical application to the determination of uric acid in urine samples.

Molecular imprinting polymer electrosensor based on gold nanoparticles for theophylline recognition and determination

An electrochemical sensor for theophylline (ThPh) was prepared by electropolymerizing o-phenylenediamine on a glassy carbon electrode in the presence of ThPh via cyclic voltammetry, followed by deposition of gold nanoparticles using a potentiostatic method. The effects of pH, ratio between template molecule and monomer, number of cycles for electropolymerization, and of the solution for extraction were optimized. The current of the electro-active model system hexacyanoferrate(III) and hexacyanoferrate(IV) decreased linearly with successive addition of ThPh in the concentration range between 4.0?×?10^?7?~?1.5?×?10^?5 mol·L^?1 and 2.4?×?10^?4?~?3.4?×?10^?3 mol·L^?1, with a detection limit of 1.0?×?10^?7 mol·L^?1. The sensor has an excellent recognition capability for ThPh compared to structurally related molecules, can be regenerated and is stable.

Highly sensitive fluorescent sensor for copper (II) based on amplified fluorescence quenching of a water-soluble NIR emitting conjugated polymer

We have synthesized the near-infrared water-soluble conjugated polymer poly[2,5-di(propyloxysulfonate)-1,4-phenylene-ethynylene-9,10-anthrylene (referred to as PPEASO3). Its fluorescence (at wavelengths between 650 and 800?nm following photoexcitation at 550?nm) is efficiently quenched by Cu(II) ions, while other physiologically relevant metal ions do not cause significant quenching at the same concentrations. Under optimum conditions, fluorescence intensity is inversely proportional to the concentration of Cu (II). The calibration curve displays two linear regions over the range of 0–3.2?×?10^?7 mol L^?1 and 3.2?×?10^?7 mol L^?1 to 1.0?×?10^?4 mol L^?1 of Cu(II), respectively. The long-wavelength excitation and emission can substantially reduce interferences by the autofluorescence and light scattering of biological matter under UV excitation. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Cu(II) in synthetic and tea samples.

Voltammetric detection of guanosine and adenosine using a carbon paste electrode modified with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate

A novel kind of carbon paste electrode (CPE) was prepared by mixing graphite powder, liquid paraffin and the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate. The resulting electrode was used for the simultaneous determination of guanosine and adenosine by differential pulse voltammetry. Compared to a conventional CPE, the oxidation peak currents are largely increased, and the oxidation peak potentials are negatively shifted. The electrochemical responses to guanosine and adenosine were investigated. Under optimized conditions, the calibration curves are linear in the concentration range from 1.0?×?10^-6?mol?L^-1 to 1.6?×?10^-4?mol?L^-1 for guanosine, and from 1.0?×?10^-6?mol?L^-1 to 2.7?×?10^-4?mol?L^-1 for adenosine at pH 3.5. Substances potentially interfering in the biological matrix do no interfere. The method was successfully applied to detect adenosine and guanosine in human urine without sample treatments.

Self-assembly of ultra-small gold nanoparticles on an indium tin oxide electrode for the enzyme-free detection of hydrogen peroxide

A novel enzyme-free electrochemical sensor for H₂O₂ was fabricated by modifying an indium tin oxide (ITO) support with (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane to yield an interface for the assembly of colloidal gold. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were then immobilized on the substrate via self-assembly. Atomic force microscopy showed the presence of a monolayer of well-dispersed AuNPs with an average size of ~4 nm. The electrochemical behavior of the resultant AuNP/ITO-modified electrode and its response to hydrogen peroxide were studied by cyclic voltammetry. This non-enzymatic and mediator-free electrode exhibits a linear response in the range from 3.0?×?10^?5 M to 1.0?×?10^?3 M (M?=?mol?·?L^?1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The limit of detection is as low as 10 nM (for S/N?=?3). The sensor is stable, gives well reproducible results, and is deemed to represent a promising tool for electrochemical sensing.

Carbon paste electrode modified with a binuclear manganese complex as a sensitive voltammetric sensor for tryptophan

We report on a carbon paste electrode that was modified with a binuclear manganese(II) complex by the drop-coating method. A study on the mechanism of the electro-oxidation of tryptophan (Trp) at this electrode indicated that it enables Trp to be determined with good sensitivity and selectivity. Second-order derivative linear sweep voltammetry at pH 4.1 revealed that a sensitive anodic peak appears at 812?mV (vs. SCE) whose current is proportional to the concentration of Trp in the concentration range from 0.1 to 1.0???mol?L^?1 and 1.0 to 80???mol?L^?1, with a detection limit (S/N?=?3) of 0.08???mol?L^?1 (60?s of accumulation). The method was applied to the determination of Trp in amino acid injection solutions with satisfactory results.

Anodic stripping voltammetric determination of silver ion at a carbon paste electrode modified with carbon nanotubes

A carbon paste electrode (CPE) was modified with multi-wall carbon nanotubes and successfully applied to the determination of silver ion by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. Compared to a conventional CPE, a remarkably improved peak current response and sensitivity is observed. The analytical procedure consisted of an open circuit accumulation step for 2?min in ?0.4?V, this followed by an anodic potential scan between +0.2 and?+?0.6?V to obtain the voltammetric peak. The oxidation peak current is proportional to the concentration of silver ion in the range from 1.0?×?10^?8 to 1.0?×?10^?5?mol?L^?1, with a detection limit of 1.8?×?10^?9?mol?L^?1 after an accumulation time of 120?s. The relative standard deviation for 7 successive determinations of Ag(I) at 0.1???M concentration is 1.99%. The procedure was validated by determining Ag(I) in natural waters.

Electrochemical determination of paraquat using a DNA-modified carbon ionic liquid electrode

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was electrochemically deposited on a carbon ionic liquid electrode to give a biosensor with excellent redox activity towards paraquat as shown by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Experimental conditions were optimized with respect to sensing paraquat by varying the electrochemical parameters, solution pH, and accumulation time of DNA. Under the optimized conditions, a linear relation exists between the reduction peak current and the concentration of paraquat in the range from 5?×?10^?8 mol L^?1 to 7?×?10^?5 mol L^?1, with a detection limit of 3.6?×?10^?9 mol L^?1. The utility of the method is illustrated by successful analysis of paraquat in spiked real water samples.

Determination of nitrite, nitrate, bromide, and iodide in seawater by ion chromatography with UV detection using dilauryldimethylammonium-coated monolithic ODS columns and sodium chloride as an eluent

A method was developed for determination of inorganic anions, including nitrite (NO ₂ ^? ), nitrate (NO ₃ ^? ), bromide (Br^?), and iodide (I^?), in seawater by ion chromatography (IC). The IC system used two dilauryldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB)-coated monolithic ODS columns (50?×?4.6?mm i.d. and 100?×?4.6?mm i.d.) connected in series for separation of the ions. Aqueous NaCl (0.5?mol/L; flow rate, 3?mL/min) containing 5?mmol/L phosphate buffer (pH 5) was used as the eluent, and detection was with a UV detector at 225?nm. The monolithic ODS columns were coated and equilibrated with a 1-mmol/L DDAB solution (in H₂O/methanol, 90:10 v/v). The hydrophilic ions (NO ₂ ^? , NO ₃ ^? , and Br^?) were separated within 3?min and the retention time of I^? was 16?min. No interferences from matrix ions, such as chloride and sulfate ions, were observed in 35?‰ artificial seawater. The detection limits were 0.6?μg/L for NO ₂ ^? , 1.1?μg/L for NO ₃ ^? , 70?μg/L for Br^?, and 1.6?μg/L for I^? with a 200-μL sample injection. The performance of the coated columns was maintained without addition of DDAB in the eluent. The IC system was successfully applied to real seawater samples with recovery rates of 94–108?% for all ions.

A hydrogen peroxide biosensor based on direct electron transfer from hemoglobin to an electrode modified with Nafion and activated nanocarbon

A biosensor for hydrogen peroxide (HP) was developed by immobilizing hemoglobin on a glassy carbon electrode modified with activated carbon nanoparticles/Nafion. The characteristics of the sensor were studied by UV?Cvis spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. The immobilized Hb retained its native secondary structure, undergoes direct electron transfer (with a heterogeneous rate constant of 3.37?±?0.5?s^?1), and displays excellent bioelectrocatalytic activity to the reduction of HP. Under the optimal conditions, its amperometric response varies linearly with the concentration of HP in the range from 0.9???M to 17???M. The detection limit is 0.4???M (at S/N?=?3). Due to the commercial availability and low cost of activated carbon nanoparticles, it can be considered as a useful supporting material for construction of other third-generation biosensors.

Determination of L-cysteine base on the reversion of fluorescence quenching of calcein by copper(II) ion

We report on a simple and sensitive method for the determination of L-cysteine (Cys). It is based on a redox reaction between the non-fluorescent Cu(II)-calcein complex and Cys which results in fluorescence recovery of calcein. When Cys is added to a solution of the Cu(II)-calcein complex, Cu(II) is reduced to Cu(I), and calcein is released to form a strongly fluorescent complex with Zn(II). The effect was used to develop a fluorescence enhancement method for the determination of Cys. Under the optimum conditions, the increase in signal intensity is linear in the range from 3.0?×?10^?7 to 1.2?×?10^?5?mol?L^?1, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9978. The limit of detection (3σ) is 4.0?×?10^?8?mol?L^?1. The relative standard deviation (RSD) in the determination of 11 samples containing 5.0?×?10^?6?mol?L^?1 of Cys was 3.5%. There is little interference by common ions and other amino acids. The method, which is simple, rapid, and sensitive, was successfully applied to the determination of Cys in human serum samples.

Glassy carbon electrode modified with a film composed of Ni(II), quercetin and graphene for enzyme-less sensing of glucose

We present a modified glassy carbon electrode as a sensing platform for glucose. It is based on a composite film prepared from Ni(II) ion, quercetin and graphene. The sensor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry. The electron transfer coefficient, reaction rate constant and catalytic rate constant were determined and found to be 0.53, 5.4?s^?1 and 2.93?×?10³?M^?1 s^?1, respectively. The catalytic current depends linearly on the concentration of glucose in the range from 3 to 900???M, with a detection limit of 0.5???M (at an S/R of 3). The sensor exhibits good reproducibility, stability, fast response, and high sensitivity.

Novel glucose biosensor based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with hollow gold nanoparticles and glucose oxidase

A novel glucose biosensor is presented as that based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with hollow gold nanoparticles (HGNs) and glucose oxidase. The sensor exhibits a better differential pulse voltammetric response towards glucose than the one based on conventional gold nanoparticles of the same size. This is attributed to the good biological conductivity and biocompatibility of HGNs. Under the optimal conditions, the sensor displays a linear range from 2.0?×?10^?6 to 4.6?×?10^?5?M of glucose, with a detection limit of 1.6?×?10^?6?M (S/N?=?3). Good reproducibility, stability and no interference make this biosensor applicable to the determination of glucose in samples such as sports drinks.

Direct electrochemistry and enhanced electrocatalytic activity of hemoglobin entrapped in graphene and ZnO nanosphere composite film

A biocomposite film for sensing hydrogen peroxide (HP) is described that is based on nanospheres made from hemoglobin (Hb), graphene, and zinc oxide. The composition, morphology and size of the film were studied by transmission electron microscopy. UV-vis spectroscopy revealed that the Hb entrapped in the graphene and ZnO nanosphere retains its native structure. A pair of stable and well-defined quasi-reversible redox peaks of Hb was obtained, with a formal potential of ?30 mV at pH 6.5. Hb exhibits excellent long-term bioelectrocatalytic activity towards HP. The apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant is 1.0 s^?1, indicating that the presence of graphene in the composite film facilitates the electron transfer between matrix and the electroactive center of Hb. The sensor responds linearly to HP in the range from 1.8 μM to 2.3 mM, with a detection limit of 0.6 μM (at S/N?=?3). The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant is 1.46 mM. The biosensor displays high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and long-term stability.

Determination of lead(II) in aqueous solution using carbon nanotubes paste electrodes modified with Amberlite IR-120

A new composite electrode is described for anodic stripping voltammetry determination of Pb(II) at trace level in aqueous solution. The electrode is based on the use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and Amberlite IR-120. The anodic stripping voltammograms depend, to a large extent, on the composition of the modified electrode and the preconcentration conditions. Under optimum conditions, the anodic peak current at around ?0.57 V is linearly related to the concentration of Pb(II) in the range from 9.6?×?10^?8 to 1.7?×?10^?6 mol L^?1 (R?=?0.998). The detection limit is 2.1?×?10^?8 mol L^?1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) at 0.24?×?10^?6 mol L^?1 is 1.7% (n?=?6). The modified electrode was applied to the determination of Pb(II) using the standard addition method; the results showed average relative recoveries of 95% for the samples analysed.

Highly sensitive sensor for detection of NADH based on catalytic growth of Au nanoparticles on glassy carbon electrode

In this work, an electrochemical dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) sensor based on the catalytic growth of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) on glassy carbon electrode was developed. Catalyzed by Au NPs immobilized on pretreated glassy carbon electrode, the reduction of AuCl₄ ^? in the presence of hydroquinone and cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride led to the formation of enlarged Au NPs on the electrode surface. Spectrophotometry and high-resolution scanning electronic microscope (SEM) analysis of the sensor morphologies before and after biocatalytic reaction revealed a diameter growth of the nanoparticles. The catalytic growth of Au NPs on electrode surface remarkably facilitated the electron transfer and improved the performance of the sensor. Under optimal conditions, NADH could be detected in the range from 1.25?×?10^?6 to 3.08?×?10^?4 M, and the detection limit was 2.5?×?10^?7 M. The advantages of the proposed sensor, such as high precision and sensitivity, fast response, low cost, and good storage stability, made it suitable for on-line detection of NADH in complex biological systems and contaminant degradation processes.

An amperometric uric acid biosensor based on chitosan-carbon nanotubes electrospun nanofiber on silver nanoparticles

A novel amperometric uric acid biosensor was fabricated by immobilizing uricase on an electrospun nanocomposite of chitosan-carbon nanotubes nanofiber (Chi–CNTsNF) covering an electrodeposited layer of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on a gold electrode (uricase/Chi–CNTsNF/AgNPs/Au). The uric acid response was determined at an optimum applied potential of ?0.35 V vs Ag/AgCl in a flow-injection system based on the change of the reduction current for dissolved oxygen during oxidation of uric acid by the immobilized uricase. The response was directly proportional to the uric acid concentration. Under the optimum conditions, the fabricated uric acid biosensor had a very wide linear range, 1.0–400 μmol L^?1, with a very low limit of detection of 1.0 μmol L^?1 (s/n?=?3). The operational stability of the uricase/Chi–CNTsNF/AgNPs/Au biosensor (up to 205 injections) was excellent and the storage life was more than six weeks. A low Michaelis–Menten constant of 0.21 mmol L^?1 indicated that the immobilized uricase had high affinity for uric acid. The presence of potential common interfering substances, for example ascorbic acid, glucose, and lactic acid, had negligible effects on the performance of the biosensor. When used for analysis of uric acid in serum samples, the results agreed well with those obtained by use of the standard enzymatic colorimetric method (P?>?0.05).

Highly sensitive SERS probe for mercury(II) using cyclodextrin-protected silver nanoparticles functionalized with methimazole

We have developed a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probe for the determination of mercury(II) using methimazole-functionalized and cyclodextrin-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). These AgNPs in pH 10 solution containing sodium chloride exhibit strong SERS at 502 cm^?1. Its intensity strongly decreases in the presence of Hg(II). This effect serves as the basis for a new method for the rapid, fast and selective determination of trace Hg(II). The analytical range is from 0.50 μg L^?1 to 150 μg L^?1, and the limit of detection is 0.10 μg L^?1. The influence of 11 metal ions commonly encountered in environmental water samples was found to be quite small. The method was applied to the determination of Hg(II) in spiked water samples and gave recoveries ranging from 98.5 to 105.2 % and with relative standard deviations of <3.5 % (n?=?5). The total analysis time is <10 min for a single sample.